Wild Wolf

Introductions

The run back had been slow going, it quickly became obvious that the stranger, Gaian as he had introduced himself, was sick. We returned to find that my father and brother had already left to meet with the Lich Paw envoys at the boarder, but my mother was there to meet Gaian and measure him. It was she who decided that Dalton would be set to guard him at all times.

For the moment though, Gaian was to be treated as a guest. He came to us honestly, a wolf from a southern pack, he was no rogue, just a wandering lone wolf. "I imagine I'll return home eventually, once I've seen enough to miss home." Gaian explained with a shrug and a boyish grin. He claimed to be from the Bronze Maw Pack. I'd never heard of them, but from what I picked up, Gaian Killoran was very far from home. From his tale he claimed to be on a sort of pilgrimage, hoping to find his destined mate and following any dreams the Moon Goddess saw fit to gift him with.

Eventually, he was led to a guest room to rest and I hurried to prepare before father returned with the envoys. I was just finishing braiding my vibrant red coloured hair when someone knocked at my door and entered without waiting for my permission.

Reflected in my vanity mirror I could see my mother. Her expression was stonic as she looked me over, "You should wear the purple dress, Mortimor likes purple." She advised me, forever micro managing my life.

"Well, that's a shame, because I prefer this green dress." I probably should't be so disrespectful to my mother and Luna, but in private I could risk a little bit of fire.

Shaking her head, my mother simply sighed. "Saffron, please play nice. Mortimor and Mordecai aren't Eugene or your brother. You must be beyond criticism while they're here if you want one of them to agree to this arrangement." She snips as if marrying one of the Le Doux brothers had been my idea. At least she wasn't once again reminding me how important a strong alliance with the Lich Paw Pack is.

Biting my tongue, I nod, "Don't worry mother, I know what I was born for."

While awaiting her reply, I stand and stride out of my room to wait for the envoys in the courtyard. My mother follows hissing advice under her breath the whole way. But, thank the Goddess, she can't keep micro managing me for long. When father, Jasper, and the envoys arrive, she falls silent at my side, smiling at my father softly.

Like myself and our parents, my younger brother Jasper has the rich red coloring that all members of the Morelli family are known for. He's still young and growing like a weed. He's nearly as tall as I am already, and I'm tall for a girl, a hundred and seventy-two centimeters tall. By the time Jasper's an adult, I'm sure he will tower over our father and mother. Probably me too, at the rate he's growing.

At some point, Gen fell into position behind me, acting as my personal guard, standing as if we were already Luna and Gamma despite his status as Omega. Behind me I heard Gen gasp at the sight of the Le Doux brothers. I know he hasn't seen them since my fourteenth birthday, but Goddess, they aren't that great. . . . are they?

I focus my full attention on the approaching wolves. Mortimor and Mordecai share the same pale skin, thick black hair, and silvery blue eyes. Mortimor is dressed in purple, black and silver, his boots are in hand, and his feet dirty. They had clearly been running, the envoy had probably stopped just long enough to shift from their wolf forms, get dressed, and clean up before they approached. At his side stands Mordecai. He's taller and leaner than Mortimor, the younger brother wears a tunic of deep dark blue with grey leather pants and boots. Their clothes are clearly travel clothes, though they are the finest dressed among the envoys. Both have grey fur cloaks over their shoulders. For a second, I see Mortimor stumble. Mordecai is quick to catch his arm, chuckling at his brother.

When they stop before me I smile at them both, "Mortimor and Mordecai Le Doux, it is lovely to see you both again. How was the road?" I ask politely, with a very proper bow to the brothers.

There's a moment's pause before Mordecai speaks up, "Almost boring I'd say. It's been so long since we made the journey this far east, I can't say I'm looking forward to the return trip. I'll probably fall asleep running," Mordecai jokes. In some ways it was probably best that Mordecai was the younger brother, he lacked the decorum of Mortimor.

Before me, Mortimor is standing ramrod straight looking like he'd just swallowed something unpleasant and looking everywhere but at me and Gen.

I'm tempted to snap at him for his impoliteness, but hold my tongue. "Please allow me to reintroduce my companion," I say, realizing how long it's been since either brother saw Gen. "Eugene Lynford, Ward to the Morelli family and my closest companion. Eugene, you remember Mortimor and Mordecai Le Doux, yes?" I ask turning to look between all the boys.

Gen smiles, bowing to Mortimor, "I could never forget such men," he says with his most flirtatious smile. I almost elbowed Eugene for that, but before I could react, Mortimor grunts and sharply turns on his heel and walks away.

Surprised, I watch the older Le Doux brother and Alpha to-be of the Lich Paw Pack leave us. Blinking, I turned to raise one brow at Mordecai. He also watches his brother walks away, Mordecai sighs heavily before turning his stormy gaze back to me, "I'm terribly sorry, it was a long trip and Mortimor ran the whole way. I fear he's just a bit burnt out." Mordecai rushes to defend Mortimor's actions with a pained smile. Clearly not used to formalities but willing to pick up the slack given Mortimor's mood. "Please my lady, attempt to understand the stress he's feeling. Our father was very clear about his expectations for our visit." The younger Le Doux brother pleads with his eyes.

At Mordecai's words I feel my heart soften, my gaze straying once more to the retreating man. "I assure you, Lord Le Doux I can empathize with the weight of such expectations."

After that, Mordecai excuses himself. I can only assume he went to ask Mortimor what crawled up his butt. But there's really no chance for me to wonder, in an attempt to show off my potential as a Luna, it's up to me to organize everything about the Le Doux visit. I'm to see to everything: room assignments, meals, meeting schedules, hunting trips, even private meals with each brother. Everything about their visit falls on me.

At some point, Gen leaves my side, likely to check on something or flirt with all the new wolves from the envoy. I don't know, nor do I have the time to worry. Gen is a big wolf, he can look after himself for a few hours.

Hours later, I'm walking into the Greater Dinning Hall, a large room, half the size of the casual hall but twice as grand and with only a quarter of the seats. Three long tables frame three sides of the long central hearth fire, the head table raised upon a dais that allows it to overlook the other two tables. I'm sitting there with a Le Doux brother on each side.

Usually Gen is at my side, but with all the new faces and important visitors, there's simply no room for Gen at the head table where he'd usually sit. Mortimor spends the meal chatting with my father. From the bits I overhear they're mostly talking about harvest, hunting, and the nearby human town. On my other side, Mordecai talks to me or the Beta on his other side. He's less interested in shop talk and more interested in talking about books or local lore. It isn't until halfway through the meal that I realize Gen isn't in attendance at all. Frowning, I attempt to contact him mentally. I can feel him, he's still on the estate, but Gen won't let me in.

"Lady Saffron?" My thoughts are interrupted by Mordecai, his expression concerned. "Is everything okay? I heard you picked up a stray this morning. He isn't up to trouble, is he?"

Mentally shaking myself and blinking, I focus on Mordecai, "Who? Oh, yes Gaian, no nothing to do with him. Just checking in with one of my attendants about plans for tomorrow. It's a surprise," I tease Mordecai to mask my annoyance at his prying. If I want to check on Gen, I'll do so and any man that worries had best get his head on straight because Gen matters more than any arrangement my parents pick out.

The rest of the meal drags on and on and on. Luckily for me though Mortimor excuses himself as early as is proper, Mordecai follows dutifully in his brothers wake. Once they're gone, I wait only a few moments before leaving as well.

My mother gives me a stern look but says nothing as I leave. The Le Doux brothers are already gone, and thus I no longer need to linger and entertain them. Her eyes caution me not to disappoint her either way. I don't know how I would, but I don't ask either.